An 11-year-old pupil from Newby Primary School is to lead the official opening of a new cycling and walking bridge over Manchester Road, Bradford, at a celebratory event.

Mohammad Hamzah took part in a schools competition organised by charity Sustrans. His poem won the top prize, so he will be cutting the ribbon at the ceremony on September 1.

Bradford Council has confirmed the bridge will be completed by early August, well ahead of schedule.

The scheme has become a reality thanks to The Big Lottery Fund after the charity secured £50 million in a public vote for a number of nationwide schemes.

Six schools took part in the competition, which was organised for two age groups.

For the Key Stage One competition, children had to draw a picture of the bridge. The winner was seven-year-old Viktoria Ferencova, from Bankfoot Primary School. She won a Carrera lunar bike, plus a helmet and bike lock.

For the Key Stage Two competition, pupils had to write a poem about how the bridge would help them and the community.

As well as cutting the ribbon at the opening, winner Mohammad will also get a helmet, a bike lock and lights for his bike.

The youngster said: “At first I thought I wasn’t going to win. Now I know I’ve won I’m really happy and my parents are proud of me.”

Bike it Officer Emily Picken, who is employed by Sustrans but works in partnership with Bradford Council, judged the competitions.

She said: “When the bridge is opened it’s going to make a real difference to how we all make our everyday journeys in Bradford, providing a safe walking and cycling route linking homes, schools, colleges, the university, St Luke's Hospital and more.”